CONCERNS have been raised about anti-social behaviour in the Holyland area of south Belfast as students return for the start of a new university term.
According to reports as many as 800 young people were in the area throughout Sunday, with many drinking on the streets.
Residents living in the area have told of rowdy parting late into the night over the weekend as students return for Freshers Week ahead of the beginning of the university year.
The Holylands area has become infamous for anti-social behaviour caused by drink-fuelled students descending on the area.
Briege Ruddy of Forward South Partnership, a community and voluntary sector organisation, last night said "it gets worse every year".
"It is groundhog day, a repeat of previous years, only I think probably worse," she told the Nolan Show.
"Between 600 to 800 young people, highly inebriated with the smell of cannabis as well as alcohol out on the street, smashed bottles, screaming, yelling, smashed bottles, cars damaged, vomit everywhere.
"It was just total bedlam, absolute bedlam.
"It started at 12 o'clock in the day on Sunday and went on to four or five this morning - complete street partying, parties in every house.
"I think it gets worse every year to be honest, I really do think it was worse."
Ms Ruddy also said she had seen "crowds and crowds of young people" buying alcohol from a local off-licence from 8.30am yesterday.
Sinn Féin's Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said he had spoken with police and university chiefs following the reports of anti-social behaviour.
"Residents should not have to face disruption and distress due to start of new term," said the South Belfast MLA.
"What is needed in the Holyland is more homes for families, not a situation where long-term residents feel intimidated."
Police were asked if they had received reports of trouble in the area on Sunday, but a PSNI spokesman said officers had only dealt with an incident regarding loud music.
DUP councillor Graham Craig said he would be bringing the issue of cut-price drinks promotions on offer at bars to Belfast City Council Licencing Committee tomorrow.
He said he was concerned after learning of a drinks promotion, where prices are reportedly as low as 60p for spirits and beers.
"I am deeply concerned about the health and well-being of those coming to university for the first time, who are now being targeted by such irresponsible promotions," he said.
"Marketing activity that has long since ceased amongst the vast majority of responsible publicans. University is a time when young adults are finding their way in the world without the guidance of parents."
Read more:
- St Patrick's Day: Belfast Holylands off-licences to close if requested by PSNI
- Call for more action after cars damaged over Halloween in Holylands
- Holylands 'written off' by council, says Green Party's Clare Bailey
- Belfast council spends £9,000 tackling Holylands disorder
- Holylands: Belfast student area's rowdiest streets revealed
